A local area network (LAN) involves two or more computers connected together in a home or small enterprise. LAN spans over very short physical distances. In a LAN, the main computer called server, controls the remaining computers (clients). By the connecting computer through LAN can share the information, applications, and resources.
LAN can be two types: Wired LAN and wireless LAN. Wired LAN requires Ethernet cable to physical connection to computers but wireless LAN requires radio waves to communicating, this wireless LAN eliminates usage of cables.
LAN setup is very easy; nowadays, all the operating system comes with networking software. In hardware ‘networking interface card’ is required. Desktop computers typically use internal NIC that slips into an available slot on motherboard while in a laptop the NIC card is inserted in the PC card slot on to the laptop.
Once the LAN is setup, an administrator can designate which files and applications can be shared in LAN, some places in servers keep the firewalls behind to prevent the access.
In a LAN, files sharing, e-mails, program sharing- all can be done on server only. With the help of network, workforce can be flexible and comfortable. Organizations install common printers for convenience.
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